Sidwell Sandy strengthened his reputation as one of Guyana’s leading young cyclists by powering to victory in the Flying Ace Cycle Club/Crawford road race in New Amsterdam.
Sandy completed the 40-mile contest in one hour and 55 minutes after breaking away from national rider Andrea “Padlock” Green during the latter stages of the 10-lap event.
The two riders established themselves at the front from the opening lap and engaged in a fierce battle for control. Sandy eventually found the strength to separate himself from Green, who had to settle for second place, while veteran Jaikarran Sookhai completed the overall podium.
Their dominance was also reflected in the prime-point competition, with Sandy and Green each securing three of the six prizes.
Sookhai was the leading veteran, finishing ahead of Fitzroy Tan and Franco Crawford Sr. Samuel Mootoo placed fourth in the category, while Sherlock Su Hang and Errol Rose followed in fifth and sixth, respectively.
Special recognition was given to 11-year-old Franco Crawford Jr. for his effort in the race. Rose also collected a prize for being the oldest competitor to complete the event.
The race attracted 14 cyclists from Regions Five and Six. It began outside the Level Up Bar at Charles Place and Republic Road before taking the riders along Republic Road, Vryheid Street and Main Street. The route continued through Stanleytown and Tacama Turn before returning to the starting point, with the cyclists completing the circuit 10 times.
Before the competitive action began, New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh led the cyclists on a ceremonial lap around the town and later sent them on their way.
The event was coordinated by Flying Ace Cycle Club founder, president and coach Randolph Roberts and former national cyclist Franco Crawford Sr.
Crawford supported the race through Crawford Trucking Services and Auto Dealership and Crawford Business Enterprise. Overseas-based former Flying Ace cyclist Hardeo Changerie and McIntosh were also among the supporters.
The organisers praised the police for their role in the successful staging of the event. Cycling action in Berbice is expected to continue during October’s New Amsterdam Town Day celebrations.
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